One Health & Risk Management

Strategies for risk assessment in medication management: A systematic review of their impact on patient safety and operational efficiency

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:54:12 +0000

Introduction. Medication management is a complex, high-risk component of healthcare and remains vulnerable to errors that might affect patient safety and operational efficiency. This systematic review aimed to evaluate risk assessment strategies used in medication management and to synthesise evidence regarding their impact on patient safety and operational performance.
Materials and methods. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Comprehensive searches of the Scopus and PubMed databases identified peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025. Using the PICOS framework, eligible studies evaluated risk assessment strategies within medication-use processes and reported patient-related safety and/or efficiency outcomes. Data were analysed through thematic synthesis.
Results. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Proactive risk assessment strategies - notably Failure Mode and Effects Analysis and its variants - were widely implemented across medication-use processes, particularly in high-risk settings. Their use improved the identification and prioritisation of medication-related risks, reduced error rates or risk scores, bolstered compliance with safety protocols, and optimised workflow organisation and resource allocation. Technology-driven tools further enhanced effectiveness by enabling standardisation and continuous monitoring.
Conclusions. Structured risk assessment strategies measurably improve patient safety and operational efficiency in medication management. Further longitudinal and comparative research is required to evaluate long-term clinical and economic outcomes.

Global seroprevalence of anti-HEV antibodies in pregnant women: a systematic meta-analysis

Octavian SAJIN, Adela TURCANU, Veaceslav GUTU, Nina IZIUMOV, Valentina BLAJ — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:57:40 +0000

Introduction. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) represents a significant public health concern during pregnancy, being associated with severe maternal and fetal complications. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the global seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies among pregnant women.

Materials and methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Observational studies were identified in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Pooled seroprevalence estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q and the I² statistic, while publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots and Egger’s regression test.

Results. Thirty studies from diverse geographic regions were included. The pooled global seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG was 11.76% (95% CI: 9.45–14.54), indicating widespread prior exposure. Anti-HEV IgM seroprevalence, reflecting recent infection, was 1.07% (95% CI: 0.61–1.86). Substantial heterogeneity was observed for both markers (I² > 95%), reflecting marked regional variability. No statistically significant small-study effects were detected by Egger’s regression (p > 0.05).

Conclusions. HEV exposure among pregnant women is common globally, with pronounced regional differences, whereas recent infection appears relatively rare at the global level. These findings highlight the need for region-specific surveillance, improved diagnostic standardization, and targeted preventive strategies to reduce HEV-related risks during pregnancy.

Radon risk communication, awareness and perception: results of a national public opinion survey in the Republic of Moldova

Liuba CORETCHI, Ala OVERCENCO, Aurelia ABABII, Mariana GINCU, Angela CAPATINA — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:46:54 +0000

Introduction Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, recognized as a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. The level of public radon awareness remains low in many countries. The study presents the results of a public opinion survey in the Republic of Moldova within the IAEA STEAM Project (RER9153), aiming to assess public awareness, risk perception, and willingness to undertake radon mitigation measures.

Material and methods A structured questionnaire was administered to 391 adults across 20 districts and 2 municipalities during December 2020–February 2021. Statistical analysis was used to assess associations among radon knowledge levels and socio-demographic variables.

Results showed that 75.4% of respondents knew little or nothing about radon, although 64.5% considered home radon testing a priority. More than half were unaware of how testing is performed, and approximately 30% believed that ventilation could replace testing. While 84.9% correctly linked radon to lung cancer, many associated it with unrelated diseases. Family doctors and public health institutions were the most trusted sources but were rarely used, whereas the internet and social media were frequently used but were less trusted. Radon was perceived as posing a lower risk than nuclear accidents and food contamination.

Conclusions The findings revealed significant knowledge gaps and misconceptions among communities, underscoring the need for targeted, evidence-based risk communication strategies using trusted healthcare channels to promote awareness and action regarding indoor radon exposure.

Informed consent: challenges and perspectives of patients and healthcare providers in Georgia

Nino GONGLADZE, Nato PITSKHELAURI — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:08:05 +0000

Background. The informed consent process is crucial in ensuring patient autonomy and ethical medical practice. The study aimed to assess understanding, experiences, and perceptions of informed consent among hospital personnel and the general population in Georgia, and to identify key challenges in its implementation.

Material and methods. Two structured questionnaires were developed, one targeting healthcare professionals and the other the general population. The surveys explored respondents' knowledge, experiences, and opinions on informed consent. Data were analyzed to identify key topics and areas for improvement in the process.

Results. Among the general population, 68.8% reported receiving the informed consent form before medical services, while only 50.2% were informed of their right to accept or decline it. Nearly half (48.3%) reported misunderstandings of information provided by doctors. For hospital personnel, while there was unanimous agreement on the necessity of obtaining informed consent before procedures, only 59.3% demonstrated full understanding of required consent content, and only 10.2% correctly identified who else can sign the consent form. Notably, only 6.8% comprehended the nuances of verbal consent.

Conclusions. Significant gaps persist in the informed consent process in Georgia, including communication barriers, time constraints, and inconsistent understanding among patients and providers. Enhanced training, clear communication strategies, standardized practices, and the integration of technology are recommended to improve the informed consent process.

Growth patterns in duchenne muscular dystrophy

Iulia RODOMAN, Victoria SACARA, Ina PALII — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:10:01 +0000

Introduction. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder that significantly affects growth and development, characterised by progressive degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscles, typically beginning in early childhood, between 2 and 5 years old.

Purpose of the study. To assess longitudinal growth parameters (height, weight, BMI) in children with genetically confirmed DMD compared with healthy age- and sex-matched controls.

Materials and methods. A total of 100 children were included: 50 with DMD and 50 controls. Anthropometric data were collected at 3 follow-up visits over a 12-month period and analysed using Microsoft Excel (Office 365) and StatTech v.4.6.3.

Results. Children with DMD exhibited impaired growth compared with controls: lower height (median 1.25 m [1.10–1.44] vs 1.56 m [1.37–1.68]; p<0.001), lower height z-score (−0.95±1.57 vs 0.42±1.41; p<0.001), and lower height percentile (16.0 vs 63.7; p<0.001). Body weight was also lower (27.7 kg [18.5–34.0] vs 46.0 kg [29.3–58.0]; p<0.001), with reduced weight z-score (−0.61 vs 0.57; p=0.003) and percentile (26.9 vs 71.6; p=0.003). BMI was lower in the DMD group (15.9 vs 18.4 kg/m²; p=0.007), whereas BMI z-scores and percentiles did not differ significantly (p>0.05). Growth velocity declined over time (height increase of 0.03 m from Visit 1 to Visit 2 vs 0.01 m from Visit 2 to Visit 3; p<0.01). Among patients with DMD stratified by duration of deflazacort treatment, the >12-month subgroup showed the greatest growth gains, although differences between subgroups were not statistically significant.

Conclusions. Children with DMD had a delayed growth compared with their peers, with progressive slowing over time. Regular auxological monitoring is essential, and further studies are needed to clarify the effects of corticosteroid therapy.

Personalized approach to non-communicable disease prevention in the working population

Lyubov VLASYK, Leonid VLASYK, Nataliia RYNHACH — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:05:04 +0000

Introduction. Effective prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) requires shifting from generalized advice to personalized interventions.

Aim. To develop and justify personalized approaches to NCD prevention for the working population, by identifying key behavioral predictors, focusing on the interplay between diet, physical activity, and social barriers.

Materials and Methods. A mixed-methods study was conducted, integrating quantitative survey data (pre-pandemic baseline, N = 1252) and qualitative interviews with market employees in early January 2026 (n = 30). Statistical analysis included Odds Ratios (OR), Sensitivity (Se), Specificity (Sp), and Likelihood Ratios (LR).

Results. Individual Nutritional Control (INC) and Daily Physical Exercise (DPE) were identified as core markers of health engagement. DPE demonstrated exceptional diagnostic power in ruling out perceived physical inactivity (LR– 0.05, Positive Predictive Value, PPV 0.93). Absence of INC was associated with 4-fold higher odds of physical inactivity (OR 4.03; 95% CI 2.83–5.72). Qualitative data from 2026 revealed "preventive inertia" and a shift toward telemedicine and "proxy" family consultations under extreme environmental stress and power outages.

Conclusions. A personalized approach involves identifying "leading components," such as DPE, to catalyze broader lifestyle changes. Integration of tailored health coaching and workplace wellness programs is essential for sustainable NCD prevention.